Always you

Chapter 29

As Ward stormed out of the hospital room, the tension in the air finally began to dissipate. Rose cast Rafe a worried glance before following her husband, and the click of the closing door left only Rafe, Sasha, Marie, and Sean in the quiet space.

Sean ran a hand over his face, exhausted but still composed. "Let's get you both home," he said, his voice firm but kind. "You've been through enough for one night."

Rafe stood, gently helping Sasha up from the hospital bed. She winced slightly, and he immediately steadied her with an arm around her waist. "I've got you," he murmured, his blue eyes filled with concern.

Marie grabbed Sasha's bag and nodded toward the door. "The car's just outside. Let's go."

The ride home was quiet, the atmosphere in the car heavy with the weight of the night's events. Sasha leaned her head against Rafe's shoulder in the backseat, her hand clasped tightly in his. He hadn't let go of her since they'd left the hospital, and she found comfort in his steady presence.

Marie glanced back at them from the passenger seat, her worry etched across her face. "Sasha," she began softly, "you're sure you're okay? No dizziness or anything?"

"I'm fine, Marie," Sasha said gently, though her voice was tired. "Really."

Sean kept his eyes on the road but chimed in, "We'll talk more in the morning. For now, you just need to rest."

When they pulled into the driveway, Sasha noticed the soft glow of lights coming from inside the house. As they stepped out of the car, the front door opened, and Alex appeared, his expression relieved.

"They're here!" Alex called back into the house, holding the door open.

Sasha stepped inside and was immediately greeted by Daniel, Sarah, and JJ, all gathered in the living room. The warmth of their presence made her heart swell with gratitude.

"Sasha!" Sarah's voice cracked as she rushed to hug her. "Oh my god, I was so worried!"

Sasha hugged her tightly, feeling Sarah's tears dampen her shoulder. "I'm okay, Sarah," she said, trying to reassure her friend.

Sarah pulled back, wiping her eyes. "Rafe, how could you—" Her voice broke as she looked at him, her expression torn between anger and concern. "How could you get involved with those people again? Do you know how scared we all were?"

Rafe looked at Sarah, his jaw tense. "I know, Sarah," he said quietly. "I never wanted any of this to happen."

JJ, standing near the fireplace, tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, let's give the girl some space, yeah?" He grinned at Sasha, though his eyes betrayed his own worry. "Kiara was here earlier, but she had to take off. Something came up at home."

Sasha nodded, her exhaustion catching up to her. "I appreciate all of you being here," she said sincerely, looking around the room. "It means a lot."

Rafe stepped forward, his hand resting gently on her back. "Sasha needs to rest," he said firmly. "She's had a long night."

JJ nodded in agreement. "We'll head out," he said, giving Sasha a small smile. "But if you need anything, you know where to find us."

One by one, everyone said their goodbyes, each offering reassurances and hugs before leaving. As the door closed behind them, the house fell into a quiet calm.

Rafe followed Sasha up the stairs, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back. Once they were in her room, she turned to him, her eyes soft but tired.

"You don't have to stay, you know," she said gently, though she hoped he would.

Rafe shook his head, his expression resolute. "I'm not leaving you alone tonight."

Sasha didn't argue. Instead, she changed into her pajamas while Rafe sat on the edge of her bed, his elbows resting on his knees. When she emerged from the bathroom, he was still there, staring at the floor deep in thought.

"Rafe," she said softly, walking over to him.

He looked up, his eyes meeting hers. There was a vulnerability in his gaze that she wasn't used to seeing. "I'm sorry, Sasha," he said, his voice low. "For all of it. For putting you in danger. For not telling you everything. I was so stupid—"

She placed a hand on his cheek, silencing him. "You saved me," she said simply. "That's what matters."

He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes briefly. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe," he promised.

Sasha gave him a small smile. "I know you will. Now, will you tell me about everything in the morning?"

"Okay," he said, his voice barely a whisper.

She climbed into bed, and he followed, lying beside her. As she curled into his side, his arms wrapped around her protectively, and she felt the tension in his body slowly begin to fade.

For the first time that night, they both allowed themselves to relax. The steady rhythm of his breathing lulled her into a peaceful sleep, and Rafe stayed awake a little longer, watching her and silently vowing to never let anything like this happen again.